Ready for the challenge

Truro hockey player to represent province at Under-16 showcase

TRURO - Hard work is paying dividends for Truro's Noah Archibald.

Truro's Noah Archibald, left, was recently selected to represent the province at the QMJHL Excellence Challenge May 1 to 4 in Blainville-Boisbriand, Que. The forward is fresh off a solid rookie season with the Pictou County's entry in the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League. Chris Cameron - The News

The 15-year-old was recently announced as one of 20 players selected to represent the province at the QMJHL Excellence Challenge May 1 to 4 in Blainville-Boisbriand, Que.

"I'm very proud," Archibald, who just completed his rookie campaign with the Pictou County major midget squad, said. "It's a big honour to be selected by Team Nova Scotia."

Archibald and his teammates will take on provincial squads from Newfoundland, P.E.I., New Brunswick and Quebec at the event, designed to give major junior scouts the opportunity to have a look at draft eligible talent.

Archibald said he's looking forward to getting the chance to showcase his skills.

"It's a pretty big opportunity," the forward said. "There are going to be a lot of scouts but it's not just about yourself, it's about being part of Team Nova Scotia and trying to win the tournament."

Archibald was invited to attend an evaluation camp for Team Nova Scotia in July. Since then, Archibald made it his goal to earn a spot on the team. He trained hard in the offseason and took every chance he could get throughout the season to improve his skills.

That desire powered him to an impressive debut season in the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League, which saw him tally 16 points (6G, 10A) in 33 regular-season games. He followed that up with three goals and an assist in six playoff games.

Pictou County coach Dave MacIntyre said Archibald went from being a rookie to start the year to more of a veteran-presence at the end of the season and a player his club leaned upon when it needed offence.

"He matured very well," MacIntyre said. "From the first of the year to the end, he became the type of player we thought he could be and more."

Archibald, six feet, 175 pounds, played the prototypical power forward role for his club. A strong skater who's difficult to take the puck from, he also relishes the physical aspect of the game.

"He's got a great work ethic and he's great to coach," MacIntyre said. "He wanted to learn and be there and I think he's got a great career ahead of him."

Archibald said he was happy with his rookie showing.

"It took a while to get adjusted from the speed in bantam, but after that things went really well," he said.

The team, whioch includes Pictou County teammate Matt Sartoris, leaves for the event April 27 but will hold a practice at RECC before hitting the road. Archibald said he's excited about getting the chance to skate with the team on home ice.

"Usually things like that are in Halifax so to have one here is pretty special," he said.

Truro's Noah Archibald, left, was recently selected to represent the province at the QMJHL Excellence Challenge May 1 to 4 in Blainville-Boisbriand, Que. The forward is fresh off a solid rookie season with the Pictou County's entry in the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League. Chris Cameron - The News